Physicians for Human Rights

Physicians for Human Rights (PHR) is an organization that uses medicine and science to document and call attention to mass atrocities and severe human rights violations. Founded in 1986 by health professionals, its mission is to prevent human rights violations and hold perpetrators accountable. The organization conducts investigations in conflict zones and areas affected by human rights abuses worldwide, including in the United States, Middle East, Africa, and Asia. PHR has been recognized for its work with the Nobel Peace Prize as part of the International Campaign to Ban Landmines in 1997.

History

Physicians for Human Rights was established in 1986 by a group of health professionals with a vision to integrate the principles of human rights into the field of medicine. The founders believed that health professionals, with their specialized skills and ethical commitments, have a unique role to play in documenting abuses and advocating for the health and dignity of all individuals. Over the years, PHR has expanded its focus to include a wide range of human rights issues, such as torture, mass killings, war crimes, and the right to health care.

Mission and Work

The core mission of Physicians for Human Rights is to use the authority of science and medicine to document and advocate against severe human rights violations. The organization's work is organized around several key areas:

• Investigation and Documentation: PHR conducts in-depth investigations into allegations of human rights abuses, often in collaboration with local partners. These investigations utilize forensic science, clinical assessments of survivors, and rigorous research methodologies to document abuses such as torture, sexual violence, and extrajudicial killings.

• Advocacy: Based on its findings, PHR advocates for policy changes, accountability, and justice for victims of human rights abuses. This includes engaging with international bodies, governments, and the public to push for reforms and action.

• Training and Education: PHR works to educate health professionals and the public about the intersection of health, human rights, and ethics. This includes training health professionals to document human rights abuses and providing resources for educators and students.

• Asylum: PHR also provides support for asylum seekers who have been victims of torture and other human rights abuses. This includes forensic evaluations to document evidence of abuse as part of asylum applications.

Impact and Recognition

Physicians for Human Rights has been recognized globally for its pioneering work at the intersection of health and human rights. In 1997, PHR shared in the Nobel Peace Prize as a founding member of the International Campaign to Ban Landmines. The organization has also received numerous awards for its work in human rights and medicine.

Challenges and Controversies

Like many organizations working in conflict zones and on sensitive human rights issues, PHR faces challenges including access to affected areas, security risks for staff and partners, and political pushback against its findings and advocacy. Despite these challenges, PHR remains committed to its mission of using medicine and science to document human rights abuses and advocate for justice.

See Also

• Human Rights
• Forensic Science
• International Humanitarian Law
• War Crimes
• Torture